Stray Voltage is defined as a small
voltage (typically below 10 volts) occurring between two points that can
be contacted by a person or animal. Such small voltages are
normally not hazardous but if perceived can result in potentially
adverse behavioral responses. Persons are most likely to encounter
stray voltage in a wet location, especially swimming pools and
spas. The greatest concern, however, has been the exposure of
animals, especially dairy cattle. The behavioral response in
animals has been identified by some workers as leading to economic
losses.

Stray voltage in dairy farms was first
identified in New Zealand in 1962 and in the USA in 1969.
Early concerns were small power-frequency voltages (50 Hz or 60 Hz)
resulting from the grounding of the electrical system powering the
facility. These can occur from both on-farm and off-farm
sources. On-farm sources are the grounding conductors of the mains
power and the farm electrical loads. Off-farm sources are usually
the distribution lines of the serving electric utility, especially where
grounding practices can transfer voltages from the multiply-grounded
neutrals of a wye-distribution system directly onto the farm electrical
system. Small power-frequency voltages are often referred to as
"conventional" stray voltage.

More recently, stray voltage problems
have also been ascribed to short-duration electrical signals
(transients) and to earth currents associated with electricity
distribution. Some concern has also been made of electrical and
magnetic fields and direct voltages. These are often referred to
as "unconventional" stray voltage.

My stray voltage professional interests and
consulting practice include the following:

If you are interested in my help
in solving a stray-voltage related problem, please contactPowerCET
Corporation, where you will find full details of consulting and training
services that we offer, including our fee schedule.

If you'd like to reach me directly, my
contact information can be found on the PowerCET
home page.